Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson says the only reason he contacted massage therapists via Instagram is because his usual masseuse couldn't work on him due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to TMZ Sports.
TMZ's sources say Watson didn't find the massage therapists "out of the blue." He reportedly reached out to various friends, teammates and associates to get recommendations. The 25-year-old put an emphasis on privacy and spelled out the areas he wanted the m assage to make sure the masseuse was comfortable, per TMZ.
Twenty-two women say they have been sexually assaulted by Watson, and 12 have filed lawsuits against the three-time Pro Bowler. Each of the women who filed lawsuits work in a spa or as a massage therapist. They all allege that the three-time Pro Bowler exposed himself, touched them with his privates or forcibly kissed them.
The NFL has launched its own investigation into the allegations under the league's personal conduct policy.
Watson denied the allegations in a social media post earlier this week, saying, "I have never treated any woman with anything other than the utmost respect." His agent, David Mulugheta, voiced support for the quarterback via social media on Friday.
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Micah Parsons showed up for the Dallas Cowboys' preseason finale against the Atlanta Falcons in body only. The star pass-rusher showed no spirit and did not dress amid his hold-in for a contract extension. On Thursday, Parsons scrubbed the Cowboys from his social media feed. During Friday's game, he couldn't be bothered to be with his teammates on the sideline watching the whole game. Per a photo posted on X by The Athletic's Jon Machota, Parsons was seen lying down on a trainer's table during the contest. Parsons' actions come amid a turbulent week between his representation and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. In separate interviews, Jones told both Michael Irvin and ESPN's Stephen A. Smith that he did not plan to back down from his agreement with Parsons to work with agent David Mulugheta. During the pregame show on Friday, Jones boasted to 105.3 The Fan that defensive end is where the Cowboys have the most depth on the roster. "Frankly, our defensive ends may be the best depth, where we have the most talent of any position on the field," Jones said via Machota. "I'm excited about our depth and our numbers at pass rusher. ... I'm concerned because of having space on the roster to keep that many of our guys that have pass rushing ability." Following Friday night's game, the Cowboys' preseason is over. The situation between Jones and Parsons is not ideal for first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who is tasked with trimming the roster to 53 players by Tuesday. If Parsons is traded or chooses not to play in Week 1, Schottenheimer is going to have to decide to take away depth from what Jones sees as a weaker part of the team to boost a unit that is without their best player because he won't negotiate with Mulugheta.
The Dallas Stars have had many defining moments in their history, but few symbolize loyalty and leadership like Mike Modano's contract extension in the early 2000s. On August 21, 2003, the Stars officially locked up their franchise icon with an extension that cemented his role as the face of hockey in Texas. The move wasn't just about keeping a superstar forward, it was about keeping the identity of the Stars firmly tied to one of the most respected players in the game. Mike Modano's extension showed his loyalty and lasting impact on the Dallas Stars At the time, speculation lingered about whether Modano might test the waters elsewhere. Instead, he reaffirmed his commitment to Dallas, the franchise that had drafted him first overall back in 1988 when they were still the Minnesota North Stars. "This team, this city, it means everything to me. Staying here was the only choice that felt right," Modano said during the press conference announcing the deal. Those words resonated with fans, as his decision represented stability during an era when star players often left in search of bigger contracts. The extension also ensured that Modano would continue climbing the NHL record books in a Stars uniform. He went on to become the all-time American-born leader in goals and points, a record that defined his Hall of Fame career. Looking back, the August 21 signing stands as a cornerstone moment in Dallas Stars history. I think it was one of the smartest moves the franchise ever made, keeping Modano in green not only secured wins on the ice but also preserved a legacy that still inspires players today.
There will be some tough decisions for the Dallas Cowboys to make as they trim their roster to 53 players by Tuesday's 4:00 p.m. EST deadline. Every franchise indeed has difficult choices to make every year, but that's especially true for Dallas following the surprise emergence of multiple rookies and outside free agent additions. These players proved they belong on an NFL roster, meaning they could be snatched up if they're let go. That being said, here's a look at three such players who need to be kept in Dallas, otherwise, they could be playing elsewhere this season. James Houston IV, EDGE Dallas is arguably deeper at defensive end than at any other position. That doesn't mean they should ignore someone like James Houston IV, who has been their best pass rusher throughout the preseason. Houston had his best outing on Friday, making life miserable for Atlanta quarterback Easton Stick. He's not guaranteed a spot, but someone will want to add him to the mix if Dallas doesn't keep him around. Traeshon Holden, WR Undrafted free agent Traeshon Holden was an early favorite to make the 53-man roster, but it seems as though he could be on the outside looking in. Dallas has their top four receivers set, with Holden battling Ryan Flournoy and Jalen Brooks for the final spot (or maybe two). What hurts his chances is his lack of special-teams ability. That could be his undoing, but it might be a mistake. Holden's talent as a pass-catcher could lead to him being claimed by another team willing to let him develop without worrying about his special teams' contributions. Phil Mafah, RB Rookie seventh-round pick Phil Mafah has been very impressive throughout camp and the preseason. The Clemson product has proven himself worthy of a roster spot, but there are concerns the Cowboys could expose him to waivers while keeping veteran Miles Sanders. Such a move would be a terrible mistake. It's highly unlikely Mafah goes unclaimed on waivers, which would mean Dallas would be giving up on a player who could be a valuable contributor in the running game. —
There are high hopes for Green Bay Packer tight end Tucker Kraft to take another leap in the 2025 NFL season. After improving on his 2023 rookie numbers during the 2024 NFL season, Kraft appears to have the potential to be the first tight end ever in the history of the franchise to amass at least 1,000 yards. It remains to be seen whether he could live up those expectations, but off the field, the former South Dakota State Jackrabbis star tight has recently turned heads when he was honored with the 2025 community service award during Green Bay’s annual Green Bay Chamber of Commerce “Welcome Back Packers Luncheon” on Friday, according to Mike Spofford of the team’s official website. Green Bay Packers TE Tucker Kraft’s charity gets appreciated Kraft earned the award for his charitable gestures in Wisconsin and back home in South Dakota. The 24-year-old tight end has been a supporter of the Cheyenne River Youth Project, a local nonprofit, which has helped give over a thousand toys to kids. After accepting the award, Kraft offered a short but meaningful speech. “Where you’re from can never set a limit on where you want to go,” Kraft said. Meanwhile, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur shared a special message about his appreciation for Kraft. “It’s an honor to work with a guy like that each and every day,” LaFleur said. “To watch the maturity and growth, not only as a person but as a player … he does a great job representing what we want to be about with his actions on the field as well as off the field. “Tuck, we can’t have enough guys like you on our football team.”
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